Fuel cell kit for Hobby R/C Cars

April 13, 2007 Horizon Fuel Cell, creator of the H-racer, has unveiled an exciting new application for Radio Controlled, 1/10th scale model car enthusiasts. Named the “H-cell,” Horizon’s integration kit upgrades battery-electric R/C cars to next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The H-cell kit is designed as a “drop in” system for the widely available TT-01 type chassis from Tamiya. The advanced H-cell kit is now being shipped, and a US$1500 refuelling system that uses industrial hydrogen gas is also available.

It comes complete with a hydrogen fuel cell power unit and an adaptable, futuristic body shell. The heart of the kit combines an ultra-compact air-cooled, light emitting PEM fuel cell system, and a scaled down fuel storage system that can safely carry up to 30 liters of solid state hydrogen. With the H-cell, passionate hobbyists can transform their cars into futuristic looking, zero emission fuel cell power concept cars reaching speeds of 22 mph (35km/h), ultra-capacitor induced acceleration, and 4 times more power autonomy (60-70 minutes) over conventional rechargeable battery solutions.

“The H-cell offers passionate hobbyists and professionals the opportunity to discover zero emission fuel cell vehicle mechanics on a 1/10th scale. It’s a very sophisticated and technologically advanced product. With the H-cell, we can envision the start of a new category of R/C hobby ‘concept cars’ that have a very different proposition to Nitro-gasoline powered trucks or buggies”, said Taras Wankewycz, Horizon’s Vice President.

Horizon is the first company to introduce consumer fuel cell products on a global and commercial scale, and is now focused on enhancing the power output and functionality of its applications.

“The new power system for R/C cars uses a scaled down system configuration applicable to portable power solutions, or real-size vehicles,” Wankewycz explained. “The H-cell will encourage innovation in refueling concepts and develop a practical network of small-scale hydrogen distribution, an essential step for many applications to be powered by fuel cells. Horizon is already working on making such solutions viable and economical.”